Shrewsbury Town

Shrewsbury Town confirmed the permanent signing of Carl Winchester in the summer of 2023 after a successful loan spell at the Croud Meadow.

The 29-year-old - who featured 40 times for the Black Cats as they won promotion from League One last season - initially joined Town on a deal until the end of the 2022/23 campaign and impressed in his 42 appearances for Salop, thus earning a permanent deal at the end of it.

Primarily a central midfielder, Winchester can also play at right-back and on the right side of midfield.

The experienced player, who made his debut for Northern Ireland when he was 18 years old, already knew Shrewsbury duo Tom Flanagan and Aiden O’Brien having played alongside them at the Stadium of Light.

The Northern Irishman began his career at Linfield before joining Oldham – with Winchester going on to make more than 100 appearances for the Latics.

He then enjoyed successful spells with Cheltenham and Forest Green Rovers before joining Sunderland in 2020.

In total, Winchester made 64 appearances for the Black Cats, scoring four goals (mostly playing at right-back).